I've found kits that have abs or glass hull to be a good start. thats half the work dun right there. putting the deck and pilot house or cab are just like gluing a 3d puzzle together. i wast most of my time thinking of how i wont to put all the gear in it and what kind or new things i can make move.
this hellen I've only put about 40 hrs into it. half of that was thinking of how to make the whistle, Angkor, lights and door with captain popping out. i still have about 10 hrs to put the rest of the details into it. i think you should get what ever boat you wont and just take your time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IBW2GY3xD4